. Dr. Smitha Hegde
Prof. Dr. Smitha Hegde is a distinguished botanist and an environmental biotechnologist with over 25 years of research and teaching experience.
Dr. Hegde has authored and co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed research papers, 5 books, 41 book chapters and 2 patents published in the fields of plant biotechnology and environmental sciences. She has successfully guided 9 PhD students and 47 postgraduate research projects and currently mentors 3 doctoral candidates.
Her pioneering studies on the molecular ecology of ferns, biosorption of heavy metals and climate-linked biodiversity assessment have established her as one of India’s foremost experts on pteridophyte biology and phytoremediation.
“AMARA” is a spirited citizen-driven project, launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, as a collaborative effort led by the District Administration, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), and CFAL Research Centre, under the leadership of its Trustee, Mr. Vijay Moras, and Dr. Smitha Hegde, Director of Research, along with the CFAL and ELC students and teams.
- Visiting Professor, Sophia University, Tokyo (2017)
- “Aranya Mitra” Award – Karnataka Forest Department (2019)
- Distinguished Researcher Award – Nitte (DU), 2022
- Best Teacher Award – Nitte (DU), 2021
- SS Bir Gold Medal in Pteridology – 2014
- Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Award for Environmental Contribution – 2019
MYSORE TREE COUNT
Tracking the city's green cover through data collection and citizen science
HERBIVORIUM
A living collection of medicinal and native plants for research mapping: awareness, a conservation projects
CENTER OF ECOLOGICAL STUDIES
A hub for environmental research, conservation and community engagement
AMARA INITIATIVE
A community-driven effort to plant adopt. and protect trees across noio- Mangalore, fostering green spaces for future generations
TREES OF MANGALORE
Documenting and preserving the city's rich tree heritage through mapping. awareness, and conservation projects
MANGROVES PLANTATIONS
Mangalore’s identity has always been tied to its rivers, estuaries, and coastline.
BIAL PROJECT
Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) isn’t just a gateway for millions of passengers each year—it’s also one of the world’s most eco-conscious aviation hubs.